Commencement

“Go forward, attempt great things, accomplish great things”

— Mary Lyon, Founder of Mount Holyoke College

Commencement is a treasured ceremonial occasion that celebrates students who have graduated from Mount Holyoke College after completing all academic requirements and obligations. Typically, Mount Holyoke holds one annual Commencement in May to honor all graduates.

Commencement and Reunion plans for 2021

Though there is promising news regarding containing the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing and specific plans in the US remain in development. The state of Massachusetts recently updated its COVID-19 restrictions, including again reducing the number permitted for outdoor gatherings. We therefore remain in the position of having to make difficult decisions regarding on-campus events including reimagining commencement and reunion activities.

Decisions about Commencement 2021 have not yet been made. We will continue to monitor state and national trends with regard to COVID-19 transmission rates and will rely on guidelines and restrictions regarding gatherings and travel to inform decisions. We plan to announce a decision about how Commencement 2021 will be celebrated by the end of February.

Celebrating the class of 2020

To mark the day, we are celebrating the class of 2020 with highlights, messages and other goodies. Congratulations!

  

View the list of degree recipients and awards and honors >

  

  

The Alma Mater

Congratulations 2020

Photo messages from faculty and staff

View the album on flickr, or by scrolling through the slideshow

  

Congratulations class of 2020

Congratulations to the class of 2020

Mount Holyoke community members share their best wishes in celebration of the graduating class.
Class of 2020 graphic with lion

Digital goodies

Celebrate the day with Instagram filters, Facebook frames and more!
Anita F. Hill, Helen Drinan ’69, Janet Mock and Lynn Pasquerella ’80 are four vanguards who challenge restrictive social norms around gender.

Class of 2020 commencement speakers announced

Mount Holyoke has announced the speakers that will address the class of 2020 for its 183rd Commencement, which will be held in person at a future date.
Olivia Vejcik ’20

Class president Olivia Vejcik on leadership

“It’s important to be the most empathetic person you can. It means saying I am here for you, I am not leaving, and we are going to get through this.”
Montage photo of several seniors from the class of 2020

Introducing the graduates of 2020

The newest almost-alums of Mount Holyoke College are smart, passionate, curious, flexible, accomplished. Read a few of their stories.
blue and white background with gold bars framing black lettering

Leadership and service awards

Learning to be a leader is an integral part of every Mount Holyoke education. Many of the awards were presented to members of the class of 2020.

Senior Week Virtual Events

Videos of recorded events will be placed on the event pages as they become available.